Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 28) recorded two severe paediatric influenza infection cases. Both had underlying illnesses. The CHP reiterated its appeal to urged schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications. Vaccination also reduces the risk of serious illness or death from infection.
The first case involves an 11-year-old boy. He has developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath since October 25. He attended the Accident and Emergency Departement (AED) of Princess Margaret Hospital on the following day (October 26) and was admitted for treatment. Today, he was transferred to the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit today due to hypotension. He is currently in serious condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock.
A recent outbreak of influenza-like illness was recorded in the school dormitory where the boy lives. Three other residents of the dormitory and two staff members recently developed respiratory symptoms. One resident, who required hospitalisation, had a nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. This resident was subsequently discharged after recovering. The symptoms of the other four patients are mild and hospitalisation was not required. The CHP has provided the dormitory with infection control advice, and will administer chemoprophylaxis to its residents and staff.
Another case involves a 11-month-old boy. He has been admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital due to his own underlying disease. He has developed a fever and cough since yesterday (October 27). He was transferred to paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital. He is currently in critical condition. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. One of his household contacts developed respiratory symptoms recently, and subsequently recovered.
Neither patient had travel history recently, nor had they received the 2025/26 SIV.
Including the abovementioned two cases, there have been 16 severe paediatric influenza cases since the start of the school year in September, including one fatal case. The affected children aged 11 months to 17 years, with 11 having good past health.　　
“Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season and there has been a significant increase in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools since September. As of October 27, a total of 677 outbreaks have been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September, including 71 cases in kindergartens/child care centres, 369 cases in primary schools and 237 cases in secondary schools. Based on the current level of influenza activity and trend analysis, the local influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks. Furthermore, viruses tend to become more active when temperatures drop. The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March. The current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter influenza season, which could lead to more hospitalisations due to influenza infection than in previous years. I urge all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the SIV, to act promptly, particularly those high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression. Members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccinations,” the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
Dr Tsui reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
“Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children’s condition. They should go to an AED immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates, for example if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions,” Dr Tsui said.
In addition to issuing timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest seasonal influenza development, the CHP also uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly. Members of the public can visit the CHP’s seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.